Supreme Court Poised to Uphold ACA Preventive Services Coverage

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide on the legality of a key Affordable Care Act (ACA) provision requiring insurers to cover certain preventive health services at no cost. The case centers around the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), part of HHS, which recommends which preventive services insurers must cover. Plaintiffs challenge the board's authority, citing constitutional and procedural issues with their appointment process, while the Justice Department argues no Senate approval is needed due to the Secretary of HHS's power to remove members.

Several justices, including Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, appeared inclined to uphold the ACA provision, suggesting the USPSTF does not exercise an independent agency role demanding Senate confirmation. Other justices, including Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, showed support for the plaintiffs, indicating the possibility of remanding the case for further lower court review, which would prolong uncertainty about coverage requirements for preventive services.

The decision will impact providers, insurers, and patients by defining regulatory authority over preventive health mandates and could affect ongoing compliance and coverage policies within the healthcare insurance market. The ruling is expected by late June, influencing ACA implementation and payer/provider obligations in preventive care coverage.